Saturday, September 4, 2010

Return



This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 14; the fourteenth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following
Blog a Ton


I finally return to what I had once upon a time started on a different page. Known to few, unknown to many, I merged my book appreciation blog with this one. It was a zealously started initiative that got neglected until finally I decided to give it a permanent closure. Whether the decision was wise / unwise, hasty / thoughtful, didn’t brood too much over it.

So what prompts me to return back to writing a book summary?
Having participated in 3 consecutive Blog A Tons, didn’t want to give this one a miss. So the subject assists me to return to this segment.

It is not everyday that Indian Born, New York based Writers produce Maximum City. Suketu Mehtha’s Bombay Lost and Found is a Point to point account of his experiences in the newly discovered city. What begins as a travelogue turns more narrative, with blends of biographical and autographical references. For those living, breathing and waking up to the city every morning, Maximum City is like an ongoing screenplay of the city you live.

You wake upto reality when you are told, clustering of 7 islands into 1 city is nothing but Man’s quest to capture water, and conquer land. Construction of Mumbai (then, Bombay) therefore becomes a struggle against the Sea.

He describes Democracy as an exercise, legitimate or otherwise of Powertoni (power of attorney). A right that people take upon themselves under the name of democracy.
Despite being nonfiction, the narration enumerates interesting acquaintances. Sunil a smart cable operator with political proximity who gets his share, irrespective of whether the city loses or gains. Ajay, young, fearless cop, a name the crime world shudders to hear. Suketu’s references to Radhabai Chawl and Napean Sea Road (renamed Lady Laxmibai Jagmohandas Marg, something I just learnt) stand out distinctively. In the words of the author, every city has a catalyst event, Bombay got it, way back in 93’ in the form of Communal Riots.

From the story of slums to reclamation and renaming, it’s a fast paced narration, one shouldn’t miss.

15 comments:

Amity said...

Nice return to your book review and sharing it Vyo!

I might as well find a copy of the book in a National Book Store in our place!

Good evening! :)

magiceye said...

an apt description indeed!

Dreamer said...

Seems to be a must read. Thanks for the review. All the best!

Someone is Special said...

I love your idea and the way you penned down.. No one should miss this...

All the best for BAT..

Someone Is Special

A Restless Mind With A Sensitive Heart! said...

Viyoma (nice name!) first time here.

Ur expression is wonderful but really couldnot understand how was it connected to the topic Return? May be its your return? right?

anyways all the best dear!

RESTLESS

Unruly Rebel said...

nice review..will love to read d book.. :)


namit
i blog at http://i-am-a-man-namit.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Aha , Now this is unique. Will pick up the book.
Great reading
Best wishes to you

MuddassirShah said...

book review.. unique and wonderful.
sooper review.
This book has been on shelves for sometime now. Think I will dust it and start reading

Anonymous said...

Another different take on return.
Loved the idea of a book review as a subject of return.
Nicely written too. :)
Cheerz !

Sidra Sayeed said...

I haven't read the book myself therefore I cannot comment on the content of your review but I think you've expressed ideas very straightforwardly which would actually help a reader to decide if they chose to go by your description.

Kshitij KK Khurana said...

Ok. This has to be the most unique interpretation of the word return.

You took it far too literally, did you? ;p

Am not into books so I dont know what to say about the post.

And which also means I have nothing to say at this point... maybe, ummm.. 'i was here'

D2 said...

Obviously a very different kind of return!
Thanks for the review.

Siddhesh Kabe said...

ho ho ho... that completes all the genre of fiction for blogaton... :D

Brijender Singh said...

I have been a die-hard supporter of Delhi in the eternal Delhi-Mumbai debate.
N if ever there was a moment of affection for Mumbai,it came with Maximum City.
The Delhi fixation continues,but your post did just a little to nudge me the other way !! ;)

Shilpa Garg said...

That's a unique take on the subject.
Will check this book out sometime!
Cheers :)